The Drowsy Chaperone Jr. at Mankato Playhouse

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2. The Drowsy Chaperone Jr.

The Drowsy Chaperone is a hilarious and meta-theatrical musical that injects a dose of nostalgia and playful satire into the world of classic Broadway musicals. It follows Man in Chair, a reclusive musical fanatic obsessed with a long-forgotten 1928 show called "The Drowsy Chaperone." As he listens to the cast recording, the characters and music of "The Drowsy Chaperone" magically come to life in his living room.

The plot of "The Drowsy Chaperone" itself is a whirlwind of romantic entanglements, mistaken identities, and over-the-top drama. We meet a naive ingenue named Janet, a dashing (but perpetually shirtless) hero named Robert, a suspicious chaperone named Mrs. Tottendale, a hilariously flamboyant Latin lover named Adolphe, and a sassy and cynical showgirl named Kitty.

Through Man in Chair's witty narration and interjections, the audience is aware of the absurdity of the situations unfolding within the "show within a show." The musical pokes fun at classic musical tropes while celebrating their charm. The catchy score blends classic musical styles with unexpected influences like jazz and klezmer, adding to the playful and unpredictable atmosphere. Ultimately, The Drowsy Chaperone is a love letter to the golden age of musicals, delivered with a wink and a smile.